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In the previous post we highlight some of the Common FAQs Associated with Medicare.  Now we are going to go over 7 things you should consider with Medicare.

Ready?  Let’s get started.

 7 Things To Consider With Medicare

Costs

With Original Medicare, there’s no limit on how much you pay out-of-pocket per year unless you have supplemental coverage.

You can add a Medicare Supplement policy to help pay your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare, like your deductible and coinsurance. However, Medicare Advantage plans have a yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs.

If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, once you reach a certain limit, you’ll pay nothing for covered services for the rest of the year. This option may be more cost-effective for you.

Coverage

Original Medicare covers most of the costs for medical services and supplies in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other health care settings. Services are either covered under Part A or Part B.  Medicare Advantage Plans must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers. Some plans offer benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover like vision, hearing, or dental.  It may be more cost-effective for you to join a Medicare Advantage Plan because your cost sharing is lower (or included).

Your other coverage

If you have other types of health or prescription drug coverage, make sure you understand how that coverage works with Medicare.

If you have employment-related coverage or get your health care from an Indian Health or Tribal Health Program, talk to your benefits administrator or insurer before making any changes.

Prescription drugs

For Original Medicare, you’ll need to join a Medicare drug plan (Part D) to get drug coverage.  But most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage. If yours doesn’t, you may be able to join a separate Part D plan.

Doctor and hospital choice

With Original Medicare, you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. With Medicare Advantage you may need to use health care providers who participate in the plan’s network. If so, find out how close the network’s doctor or pharmacies are to your home. Some plans offer out-of-network coverage.

Quality of care

Are you satisfied with your medical care? The quality of care and services offered by plans and other health care providers can vary. How have Medicare and other people with Medicare rated your health and drug plan’s care and services?

Travel

Original Medicare gives you coverage for Doctor and Hospital care anywhere in the US where Medicare is accepted.  However, Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover care outside the U.S. 

Medicare Advantage plans usually don’t cover care you get outside of the U.S.  And coverage may vary when you travel outside of the region where you purchased Medicare Advantage.

I hope that you have found these educational posts helpful and informative.  Remember you are not alone in this journey.

What kind of questions do you have?

Let’s connect and get every question answered.

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Contact Me.